Leeds United showed a different side to their game in beating Chelsea 3-1 on Wednesday, with a new formation and more direct approach paying instant dividends. Goals from Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin capped off an outstanding team performance to pull the Whites above West Ham and into 17th.
Daniel Farke’s decision to switch to 3-5-2 couldn’t have gone much better and while the Leeds boss insists he is not wedded to any ‘base formation’, that more robust style of play has to remain. The new set up also seemed to get the best out of key players such as Bijol, Stach and Gabriel Gudmundsson.
With all focus now on Liverpool this weekend, it will be interesting to see if Farke opts for a similar formation and style. Below is the YEP’s attempt at a new strongest possible starting XI and bench as things stand.
7. CM: Ethan Ampadu
A near-perfect midfielder enforcer performance against former club Chelsea. Bring a real nastiness to the Leeds team, in a good way. | AFP via Getty Images
8. CM: Anton Stach
Produced his best performance of the season against Chelsea, winning second balls all over the pitch and progressing it well. More physical presence too. | Getty Images
9. CM: Ao Tanaka
Provides balance in midfield with his technical quality, although an ability to get in the face of opponents is somewhat underrated. Scored a great goal against Chelsea. | AFP via Getty Images
10. LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Like Bogle on the other side, looks perfectly suited to a wing-back role. Was absolutely outstanding against Chelsea. | Getty Images
11. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Another brilliant No.9 performance against Chelsea, winning long balls and bringing others into play. Absolutely crucial to this direct style. | Getty Images
12. ST: Lukas Nmecha
Dovetailed so well with Calvert-Lewin, winning long balls of his own but also bringing others into play with good ball-work on the floor. Photo: Shaun Botterill